The Center for Science Teaching and Learning has received a $359K NASA grant to develop a replicable engagement model to prepare planetary scientists to engage audiences in planetary science with an explicit focus on Black and Latinx communities.
The CSTL team, led by PI Lori Rubino-Hare, will partner with the Lunar and Planetary Institute on Planetary Resources and Content Heroes (ReaCH) to develop a replicable engagement model for preparing NASA scientists to engage diverse audiences in planetary science.
A needs assessment will identify perceived barriers and challenges that keep NASA scientitsts from participating in education and engagement activities. A second needs assessment will solicit input from informal educators on how to effectively engage with Black and Latinx communities in culturally appropriate ways and will further inform the most productive ways for planetary scientists to interact with diverse audiences.
Three day Planetary Engagement Workshops will connect scientists and informal educators serving Black and Latinx communities, encouraging an exchange of knowledge and experiences. Workshop participants will identify ways to engage diverse audiences and make planetary science relevant using inclusive strategies, and will co-develop activities for a culminating outreach event for their community.
Interested in collaborating with the CSTL on an upcoming project? Contact us at CSTL@nau.edu or fill out a contact form.